Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
School for the Built Environment
Department of Architecture
Selected Highlights from Research Findings
Terms such as sustainable communities, growth promotion and flexibility are constantly used when referring to sustainable housing. However, there still seems to be a lack of commitment in letting go of traditional methodologies in provision and construction, and practicing more appropriate concepts. The appropriateness of the South African systems have been outgrown as populations have increased far beyond the numbers that the earth can accommodate should we continue to build in the way that we do. Open building construction allows for constant change and the adaptability that modern-day society requires, especially in a country like South Africa, which is undergoing tremendous increases in population densities, economic imbalances, and social and cultural diversity. These transformations, differences and the very fact that the country is gaining momentum as a developing country not only have to be taken into account in the built environment, but also need to be reflected in the system the urban fabric choses to utilises. Contrary to traditional social housing planning and construction methods, an open building system leaves room so that no two dwellings in a single development need be the same. Far more freedom of choice is handed over to the user to manipulate his/her units according to his/her own wishes. This is a very empowering position, giving a sense of individuality and ownership to the dweller. The researcher recommended that open building techniques be used to streamline the construction process of mass customised houses. The building should be viewed as a well-organised combination of systems and subsystems, each of which can be carefully coordinated to ensure a better process and product for the homeowner and a parallel positive outcome for the building professionals. By disentangling the systems and subsystems from each other, opportunities are increased for better organisation, increased consistency, quality and more control and flexibility for the homeowner. Developers need to change their marketing strategies relative to the sellers’ market they were used to. The South African government needs to readdress its approach to the delivery of low-cost and even the newly introduced high-density social housing developments
Contact person: Dr AOS Osman.
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